Online Listen Live FAQ
How do I listen online?
To listen online, just click the Listen Live icon at the top left of your screen, below the LBC logo. This will launch the LBC 97.3FM stream via our LBC media player. You will have the option to switch to the 1152AM stream once this player has launched.
What do I need?
We recommend the following as a minimum specification for you to listen online:
166MHz processor or higher, 16-bit soundcard, speakers (connected!), 28.8kbps modem or better (we suggest a broadband connection for best results).
Make sure that your computer has the correct free software installed.
Windows Media Player version 9 (or higher). Download the latest Windows Media Player
Supported Browsers: Firefox, Internet Explorer (versions 3 and below are not compatible) Opera and Safari.
To upgrade to the latest version of Firefox, go to http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/
To upgrade to the latest version of Internet Explorer, go to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/ie/getitnow.mspx
To upgrade to the latest version of Opera, go to http://www.opera.com/
To upgrade to the latest version of Safari, go to http://www.apple.com/safari/download/
Why won't the stream work?
It may seem daft, but we get a lot of emails from people who realise after getting in touch they had forgotten to plug in their speakers, turn them up or they had some headphones plugged in. Try playing another sound file on your computer. If it doesn't work then it may be a problem with your speakers. Try checking they're plugged in at a power source and into the audio out port on your computer; then turn it up and check headphones aren't plugged in.
If you are attempting to store our streaming address within your media player and go directly to it rather than coming via the website, you may find that this doesn't work. This is because we regularly change the streaming address for the station; your best option is to go via the website to make sure your media player gets the latest address.
Is your Windows Media Player working?
Check that you have windows media player 9 or above installed and working. You may be able to test its working by listening to other stations that use windows media streams.
If it still doesn't work, try refreshing this page and click on the streaming link again above.
Why does the stream keep buffering and not start playing?
If you are on 56K dial up (not Broadband!) you may find the stream keeps stopping, buffering or is very slow to load in the first place. Please check your internet connection speed, as slow connections and older dial up modems can cause the audio "never" play or constantly buffer. If you are using a dial-up connection (modem), you will usually get varying connection speeds. Often, the speed is much faster than your 56k modem is capable of producing.
Why can't I hear anything?
If media player connects, buffers and starts playing but you hear no audio you should check the volume on your media player is turned up, your speakers are connected and turned on. If this doesn't resolve the problem go to your control panel, sounds and audio devices and check that your sound playback device is set to the correct sound card. You should also check the sound volume options and make sure your sound card is faded up and not muted.
Why do I need to refresh the stream?
Sometimes, the stream may stop working for an unknown reason or if Windows Media Player tries to load or play another piece of Media. If it continually buffers and you are on a fast connection; try refreshing the stream by closing Windows Media Player and starting it again using the button on this page.
Yes, the player will automatically detect when you are accessing via a Mac and, providing you have Flash version 8 or above installed it will load the Mac compatible Flash version of the Listen Live tab. The player will not automatically prompt you to install the correct flash player if it is not already installed.
I cannot load the listen live player on my Mac?
To use the player on an Apple Mac, please install Silverlight. You will be prompted to do this when you load the player.
I am listening to the live stream, but the player status bar does not say ‘playing’.
The Mac player uses an mp3 stream and therefore the player will always display ‘loading’ or’ transferring data’ in the status bar. This is normal. However, if you find you cannot hear the live stream, double check you have the latest Flash version installed and try re-loading the player.
Why does the Flash version of the player still not allow me to access on demand audio or video content on a Mac?
The Flash player is at an early stage of development. We have focused first on bringing Mac users access to our live stream. Whilst we refine the Listen Live Flash player we are also investigating methods for bringing access to on demand audio and video content to our Mac audience so please keep an eye out for future enhancements.
Can you give me the direct URL of your audio streams?
We can only offer support for streaming via the LBC Radio Player, but if you need the URL for your Digital Radio or SONOS System, save these links:
LBC 1152 News: http://mediaweb.musicradio.com/Show.asx?StreamID=157
I've emailed you, but haven't heard back...Why not?!
We wish we could respond to everyone immediately, but we do not have 24/7 customer support. Please know that we do appreciate all feedback and do try to get back to everyone eventually.
Got more questions? Want To Contact Us?
If you are still having problems listening online and none of our suggestions have helped you, please use the following form and we'll try and work out what's going on for you and hopefully get you listening online as soon as possible.